375 Forgedale Rd, Bechtelsville, PA 19505

Agricultural Preservation District

In accordance with the objectives of the Hereford Township and Washington Township Joint Municipal Comprehensive Plan, and the purpose statements and community development objectives set forth in Article I of this Ordinance, the AP-Agricultural Preservation District is established to promote the preservation of agricultural land as a precious, irreplaceable natural resource and to promote continued agricultural activity. The AP District is further intended to promote the preservation of the rural-agricultural landscape, characterized by both cultivated and natural open lands, which is the physical quality most apparent to residents and visitors to the Township and the most prominent aesthetic resource of the community. The regulations set forth herein are intended to achieve the following specific purposes: To permit such development that will support the value of farmland while discouraging the conversion of productive agricultural lands to non-agricultural use; To encourage the preservation of large contiguous areas of farmland and inhibit development that is detrimental to or conflicts with Agricultural activities; To Protect the public investment in the Township’s existing preserved farms; To support the local agricultural economy including provision for accessory uses in association with active farms which contribute to overall economic viability; To preserve open space areas which are not necessarily used for agricultural purposes, but have scenic qualities which support the rural-agricultural character of Hereford Township or have historic features that represent the heritage of the Township; To preserve the quality and quantity of the Township’s water resources, including both surface waters and groundwater; To further preserve agriculture as a primary use in Herford Township through the use of Transferrable Development Rights which enable residential development to be directed to more appropriate locations.